Relate is on a drive to harness public opinion about the proposed legal entitlement of fathers and mothers to 50/50 access, which the charity believes would not be in the best interests of many children.

It has based its opinion on evidence from members of the public who have received relationship counselling from Relate and is encouraging all its members to take part in an online opinion poll on whether the law should be changed.

The charity intends to use the results of the poll to support its case during the Government’s public consultation on parental separation.

‘The best time to make a decision about children is not amid the anger of a court case,’ said Relate press and public affairs officer Victoria Silver. ‘Through support and counselling, parents can reach mediated and amicable settlements.’

Charity, parenting, children’s, men’s, women’s, relationship advice and national press are being targeted.

‘We also want what’s in the best interests of the child but the 50/50 presumption of contact is a starting point towards that,’ said Fathers-4Justice London area co-ordinator Richard Castle.